Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: Principles of Becoming More Flexible, Effective, and Fulfilled

by Hayes Ph.D., Steven · 2020

The pioneering originator of ACT teaches us the core principles and methods of this innovative, evidence-based model of life transformation.Have you ever tried to "think” your way out of emotional turmoil―and ended up feeling even worse? Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) emerges from a remarkable insight: that when our normal problem-solving skills are applied to painful thoughts or feelings, suffering often increases.Dr. Steven C. Hayes, ACT's originator and co-developer, has found this to be true in almost every area of life's struggles. "Fortunately," he begins, "we have discovered why this is, and we have developed ways of correcting it."For over 30 years, ACT has been used effectively to treat not only mental and behavioral health problems such as anxiety and depression, but to help support workplace success, sports performance, weight loss, and social change. ACT works by helping us to accept and learn from our emotions, to think more freely and flexibly, and to find a liberating new perspective that allows us to take action based on what matters most to us.Here, you will join this pioneering researcher to learn firsthand about the essentials of ACT.